“Closure of these clinics would mean that the 6,000 people who use the service would be at risk of loneliness, isolation and mental health problems. It would also mean that 200 volunteers, trained by the NHS in Wales, would see their valuable skills and knowledge go to waste.

“At a cost of just £25 per patient each year, the charity is appealing to health boards to keep funding this essential service. I hope their campaign is successful.”